There’s just something about the smell of cinnamon rolls that makes mornings feel extra cozy. But let’s be real—who has time to make cinnamon rolls from scratch on a busy weekday? That’s where these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats come in! You get all the comforting, sweet, and cinnamon-y goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it tastes like dessert for breakfast. And what’s unique about my recipe is that we’re using blended oats for a creamier texture and better mouth feel. So even if regular oats aren’t your thing, this recipe might change your mind.
And if you’re looking for more flavor options to add to your rotation, I also have recipes for tiramisu overnight oats, brownie batter overnight oats, and strawberry overnight oats that have over 35g of protein!
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Table of contents
What are Overnight Oats?
The concept of “overnight oats” has exploded in recipe blogs as a meal-prep go-to (no cooking, grab-and-go breakfasts). Overnight oats are simply oats soaked in liquid (milk, yogurt, etc.) and stored in the fridge overnight so they soften—no cooking required. In the morning, they’re creamy, ready to eat, and completely customizable. Because the oats absorb flavors over time, they’re perfect for infusing with spices, layers, and “frosting” elements—making them ideal for dessert-for-breakfast recipes like cinnamon roll overnight oats.
What distinguishes a cinnamon roll version is the warm spice blend, a swirl of sweet gooeyness, and often a creamy topping that echoes the icing on a cinnamon bun. So basically, this recipe combines overnight oatmeal, healthy breakfast jars, and dessert-inspired breakfasts—all with minimal effort. Plus, for this recipe we’re blending the oats for a super creamy and delicious texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you want to make the best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, make sure you have the following ingredients:
Blended rolled oats + milk — I use old-fashioned rolled oats that I briefly pulse/blend (just to break them slightly) so they soak evenly; the milk (or milk alternative) lets the oats hydrate and soften.
Sweeteners + flavor enhancers (maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon) — these build the classic cinnamon roll tone. The sweeteners give the “bun” note; vanilla boosts richness; cinnamon gives the signature spice.
Greek yogurt + sweetened condensed milk + sour cream + vanilla + protein powder — this mixture provides a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet “icing” layer that mimics the frosting you’d expect on a cinnamon bun. The protein powder is optional but boosts nutrition and helps the frosting hold.
Butter + brown sugar + cinnamon — melted and piped or drizzled, this swirl gives a gooey, bakery-style highlight. It’s the “sugar ribbon” in the bowl that makes each bite feel indulgent.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Firstly, mix blended oats, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a jar. Stir well.
- Then, prepare the frosting by combining yogurt, condensed milk, vanilla, sour cream, and protein powder.
- Create the cinnamon swirl by melting butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer to a ziplock bag.
- Layer the oat mixture and frosting in a jar. Swirl the cinnamon mixture on top. Sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon.
- Finally, chill overnight, and enjoy in the morning!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Don’t skip the swirl: The cinnamon swirl on top not only looks impressive but also adds an authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
Use blended oats: Blending the oats creates a smoother, creamier texture that mimics the feel of a decadent cinnamon roll.
Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to add more or less maple syrup and brown sugar. You can always taste the mixture before chilling and make adjustments.
Chill time matters: Overnight oats need at least 6 hours to set properly, but the longer they chill, the better the flavor melds.
Layer the frosting: Adding a layer of the protein frosting between the oats makes it extra indulgent, giving you that cinnamon roll vibe with every spoonful.
FAQ
No, they’ll be too chewy. Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Steel-cut oats typically require cooking or a much longer soak, so they may stay too chewy or grainy in just overnight. Quick oats (instant oats) soften quickly but often turn mushy and lack texture. Rolled oats are the sweet spot for this recipe—they absorb flavor, retain bite, and soak evenly.
Up to 3 days in the fridge—if you can resist them that long!
Yes. The protein powder is optional and mainly for boosting protein and helping stabilize texture. Omit it or substitute with a scoop of unflavored protein, or skip entirely. Similarly, you can use honey, agave, or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup / brown sugar—just adjust sweetness to taste.
This usually means the oats didn’t soak long enough, or the liquid ratio was low. Ensure the oats are fully submerged in liquid, stir before refrigeration, and allow at least 6–8 hours (overnight is best).
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 1.5 cup Old fashioned rolled oats, blended
- 1 cup Milk of choice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup, or to taste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
“Frosting”
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/8 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream protein powder
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Garnish
- Light dusting of cinnamon powder on top
Instructions
- Mix the oats: Combine blended oats, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until fully combined.
- Prepare the frosting: Mix Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, sour cream, and protein powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour into a ziplock bag and set aside.
- Assemble: Layer half of the oat mixture into a jar, followed by a generous spoonful of frosting. Add the remaining oats and top with more frosting.
- Add the swirl: Snip a corner of the ziplock bag and pipe the cinnamon swirl over the top. Lightly dust with cinnamon.
- Chill: Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
